Retractable pivoting wheels and luggage equipped with such wheels

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel support (10) for luggage (1), comprising: a fixed part (30) intended to be mounted on a lower face (8) of the luggage (1) and defining a reference plane (P8); a movable part (20) pivotably mounted in the fixed part (30); a wheel carrier (60) mounted on the movable part (20); a wheel (70) pivotably mounted in the wheel carrier (60); characterized in that the movable part (20) and the wheel carrier (60) are separate parts; and in that the movable part (20) is arranged to be movable between: a deployed position (A) in which the wheel (70) is perpendicular to the reference plane (P8); and a retracted position (B) in which the wheel (70) is parallel to the reference plane (P8).

Description

[0001] RETRACTABLE SWIVEL WHEELS AND LUGGAGE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH WHEELS

[0002] A. TECHNICAL FIELD & TECHNICAL PROBLEM TARGET

[0003] 1. Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to the field of travel luggage, more particularly cabin luggage for airplanes or trains. The invention also relates to the field of luggage wheels.

[0005] 2. Context

[0006] Traditional luggage designs rely on either two fixed wheels that require the user to tilt and pull the bag behind them, or on swivel casters that allow it to rotate 360 ​​degrees. This second design, known as spinner luggage, has become increasingly popular in the luggage market in recent years, as it makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and allows the bag to be moved without tilting and pulling it.

[0007] However, this design takes up more space in the luggage than constructions with two fixed wheels. To minimize the overall dimensions of the luggage, the evolution is then to reduce the size of the wheels. This makes the luggage more difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain in particular. Reducing the size of the wheels leads the user to tilt and pull the luggage more often, which can put unnecessary strain on the user's back and arms. Swivel wheels are also exposed to shocks, for example when the luggage is put in the hold during an airplane trip or when the luggage is placed in the trunk of a car.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to propose improved luggage, and more particularly a different architecture of luggage wheels, to address the problems described above and / or which, more generally, offers improvements or an alternative to existing solutions.

[0009] 3. Etat de la technique

[0010] US2917317 (1959) - SUITCASE HAVING RETRACTABLE, REMOVABLE WHEELS

[0011] US3057636 (1962) - LUGGAGE MEANS WITH RETRACTABLE WHEELS

[0012] US 6182981 Bl (2001) - TWO-STAGE EXPANSION / COLLAPSE CONTROL MECHANISM FOR USE ON A HAND-TRAILABLE LUGGAGE CASE

[0013] US 6604615 B2 (2003) - ROLLER DEVICE OF LUGGAGE CASE

[0014] US 2009 / 0166140 Al (2009) - RETRACTABLE WHEEL SYSTEM FOR TOWABLE BAGGAGE

[0015] US 7503439 B2 (2009) - RETRACTABLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY

[0016] US 7997591 B2 (2011) - CHASSIS WITH RETRACTABLE WH EELS

[0017] US 2014 / 0238803 Al (2014) - RETRACTABLE SPINNER WHEELS FOR A LUGGAGE CASE

[0018] US 2014 / 0262660 Al (2014) - UNIVERSAL WHEELEDBAG SYSTEM

[0019] US 2015 / 0208774 Al (2015) - RETRACTABLE LUGGAGE WHEEL SYSTEM Known solutions, which are little used, present methods for raising the wheels into the body of the luggage, sometimes by pivoting them.

[0020] These solutions may include control, locking and position change mechanisms that are very different from the solution proposed according to the invention.

[0021] The closest solution to the invention is the one presented by Heys, on the Stealth luggage (https: / / www.coolthings.com / heys-stealth), where wheels fold under the suitcase. The system presented requires touching the wheels, the mechanism is done in several steps, and above all the wheels are the same size as classic "spinner" wheels (wheels rotating 360°). Also, this system does not improve the stability of the luggage when the wheels are deployed.

[0022] B. THE INVENTION

[0023] 1. Presentation of the invention

[0024] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved wheel support.

[0025] To this end, the invention relates to a wheel support for luggage, comprising:

[0026] - a fixed part intended to be mounted on a lower face of the luggage and defining a reference plane;

[0027] - a mobile part pivotally mounted in the fixed part;

[0028] - a wheel carrier mounted on the moving part;

[0029] - a wheel pivotally mounted in the wheel carrier; characterized in that the movable part and the wheel carrier are separate parts; and in that the movable part is arranged to be movable between:

[0030] - a deployed position where the wheel is perpendicular to the reference plane; and

[0031] - a retracted position where the wheel is parallel to the reference plane.

[0032] Thus, the invention makes it possible to improve the comfort of use and the durability of the wheel support and the luggage.

[0033] According to other advantageous characteristics of a wheel support according to the invention, taken individually or in combination:

[0034] - The moving part is movable between the deployed position and the retracted position by following a rotation associated with a translation or a second rotation.

[0035] - The moving part is a shaft that can move both in rotation and in translation in the fixed part.

[0036] - The fixed part has a groove, and the movable part has a rod that snaps into the groove to lock the movable part in the deployed or retracted position.

[0037] - The rod is coupled to a return spring, preventing accidental exit of the rod from the groove.

[0038] - The moving part pivots around an axis, located perpendicular to an oblique plane forming the interface between the moving part and the fixed part. - The road support comprises a return box arranged between the fixed part and the moving part, preferably configured for a 90° return with a ratio of 2:1.

[0039] The invention also relates to a piece of luggage, comprising at least two wheel supports as described above, arranged on the same side of the luggage, preferably four wheel supports arranged in pairs on two sides of the luggage.

[0040] According to other advantageous characteristics of luggage according to the invention, taken individually or in combination:

[0041] - Two wheel supports share the same fixed part.

[0042] - Two wheel supports are independent, with separate fixed parts.

[0043] - In moving from the retracted position to the deployed position, the wheels move away from a median plane of the baggage, and in that in the deployed position, the wheels protrude outside the vertical volume of the baggage.

[0044] 2. General description

[0045] The present invention provides an improvement in luggage wheel design that combines the maneuverability of small swivel wheels with the comfort of large wheels, while protecting the wheels from impact when the baggage is checked in and saving space on the total volume of the baggage. The invention consists of a set of retractable wheels that can be deployed when necessary to allow smooth and stable transport on all surfaces. When not, the wheels are retracted under the baggage to protect the wheels from damage and reduce the total volume of the baggage.

[0046] A suitcase can be schematized by a parallelepiped trunk, with front, rear, side, upper and lower walls. Handling functions are attached to it, usually handles and often a telescopic rod. The movement of the suitcase is facilitated by wheels connected to at least one of the walls, near the lower wall. The wheels are either 2 in number, with a fixed axle, or 4 in number (or 4 pairs of wheels) and can rotate freely around a vertical axis.

[0047] Retractable swivel casters are designed to be easily extended and retracted, using a simple mechanism that allows the user to switch between fixed and swivel wheel modes as needed.

[0048] When the wheels are deployed, they allow the suitcase to roll on a supporting surface, with the possibility of free rotation of 360° around a vertical axis connecting each wheel to the suitcase.

[0049] In this deployed position, the movable part of the mechanism that allows the wheels to be put into the rolling position, where each wheel is connected, protrudes from the vertical footprint defined by the side, front and rear walls of the suitcase. This allows the vertical axis allowing the free rotation of each wheel to be positioned outside the vertical footprint of the suitcase as defined. This improved geometry allows for greater stability by having spread the wheels and increasing the distance separating each wheel from the center of gravity of the suitcase while maintaining a reduced footprint.

[0050] The moving part of the mechanism pivots relative to a fixed part of the support where each wheel is fixed. This movement is achieved either by rotation around an axis perpendicular to a 45° cutaway on the fixed base and on the moving part of the wheel attachment. An alternative to achieve this movement is to use a 90° gearbox with pinions generating a ratio of 2:1, or by any other mechanism allowing the wheel support to perform two 90° rotations at the same time.

[0051] Advantageously, the mechanism can lock in the extreme positions: wheels deployed and wheels retracted. This locking can be achieved by a lug system, which unlocks by pulling on a spring, or by a cam system arranged to lock the system in the extreme positions (which can also be used to operate the mechanism). The locking / unlocking control can be achieved by direct action on the mechanism, or by remote control via a cable or any other system allowing a translational movement to be transmitted.

[0052] When the wheels are in the retracted position, the movement of the moving part of the mechanism brings the entire mechanism and wheels within the vertical dimensions of the suitcase as defined above. Once in the retracted position, each wheel is in a plane parallel to the bottom wall of the suitcase.

[0053] When the wheels are in the retracted position, the overall volume of the suitcase is reduced. The useful height of the wheel system's footprint corresponds to the maximum of the width of the moving part of the mechanism and the width of the wheel.

[0054] The height of the wheels is then only limited by the space required when stowing them in the retracted position. This allows the installation of much larger wheels than those usually installed on spinner luggage, without impacting the volume of the luggage.

[0055] The volume of the wheel function is reduced compared to a classic spinner luggage (which must provide in addition to the wheel the volume necessary for its rotation). This reduction in volume for rolling then allows to gain inside the luggage, offering users additional storage capacity.

[0056] Additionally, the retractable design helps protect the wheels during transport, where the wheels are no longer exposed to impact but folded down and parallel, pressed against the bottom wall of the suitcase. This helps reduce the likelihood of damage caused by impacts or rough handling.

[0057] The invention advantageously comprises one or more of the following elements:

[0058] 1. A piece of baggage incorporating a set of retractable swivel wheels which can be extended when required to allow smooth carriage on all surfaces and retracted when not required to protect the wheels from damage and reduce the overall volume of the baggage.

[0059] 2. A simple and intuitive mechanism for extending and retracting the swivel wheels, which can be easily operated by the user. 3. An easy-to-use mechanism lock (lock / unlock).

[0060] 4. A capacity to control this locking either directly at the wheel area, or with a remote control, for example on the top of the suitcase.

[0061] 5. An arrangement that helps protect the wheels during transport, reducing the likelihood of damage from impacts or rough handling.

[0062] 6. An arrangement that reduces the volume of the wheels to save space inside the luggage, providing users with additional packing capacity.

[0063] 7. One of the wheel arrangements as described above or a functionally equivalent arrangement, which combines the maneuverability of small swivel wheels with the stability and rolling comfort of large fixed wheels.

[0064] 8. A geometry in the unfolded position which allows greater stability of the luggage.

[0065] 3. Advantages

[0066] The present invention offers several advantages over existing luggage designs. First, it combines the maneuverability of swivel wheels with the stability of fixed wheels, giving users the ability to easily navigate tight spaces while enjoying greater stability on uneven or rough surfaces. In addition, the retractable design helps protect the wheels from damage and reduces the overall volume of the luggage, providing users with additional packing capacity.

[0067] The present invention proposes an improved luggage wheel design that offers a unique combination of maneuverability, stability, and protection against damage, while saving space. The advantages offered by this design can significantly improve the travel experience for luggage users, providing a practical and efficient solution for easy and comfortable transportation.

[0068] 4. Description of figures

[0069] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0070] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a suitcase according to the invention, equipped with wheel supports according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the deployed position.

[0071] - Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0072] - Figure 3 is a side view of the suitcase of Figure 1, in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0073] - Figure 4 is a side view similar to Figure 3, with the wheel supports in the retracted position. - Figure 5 is a sectional view of the suitcase of Figure 1, in a plane parallel to the direction of travel of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0074] - Figure 6 is a side view similar to Figure 5, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0075] - Figure 7 is a side view of the lower part of the suitcase of Figure 1, in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0076] - Figure 8 is a side view similar to Figure 6, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0077] - Figure 9 is a bottom view of the suitcase of Figure 1, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0078] - Figure 10 is a bottom view similar to Figure 9, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0079] - Figure 11 is a bottom view similar to Figure 9, for a variant of the first embodiment of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0080] - Figure 12 is a perspective view of the suitcase of Figure 11, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0081] - Figure 13 is a perspective view from below of a suitcase according to the invention, shown schematically, equipped with four wheel supports according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the deployed position.

[0082] - Figure 14 is a perspective view similar to Figure 13, with the wheel supports being retracted.

[0083] - Figure 15 is a perspective view similar to Figure 13, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0084] - Figure 16 is a side view of the lower part of the suitcase of Figure 13, in an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0085] - Figure 17 is a side view similar to Figure 15, with the wheel supports being retracted.

[0086] - Figure 18 is a side view similar to Figure 15, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0087] - Figure 19 is a side view of the lower part of the suitcase of Figure 13, in an orientation parallel to the direction of travel of the suitcase, with the wheel supports in the deployed position.

[0088] - Figure 20 is a side view similar to Figure 19, with the wheel supports being retracted.

[0089] - Figure 21 is a side view similar to Figure 19, with the wheel supports in the retracted position.

[0090] - Figure 22 is a sectional view of a wheel support of Figure 13, in the deployed position.

[0091] - Figure 23 is another sectional view of a wheel support of Figure 13, in the deployed position. - Figure 24 is a perspective view from below of a suitcase according to the invention, shown schematically, equipped with a wheel support according to a third embodiment of the invention, in the deployed position.

[0092] - Figure 25 is a perspective view similar to Figure 24, showing the wheel support in its various deployed, retracted, and retracted positions.

[0093] - Figure 26 is a side view along arrow XXVI in Figure 24, showing the wheel support in the deployed position.

[0094] - Figure 27 is a side view similar to Figure 26, showing the wheel support being retracted.

[0095] - Figure 28 is a side view similar to Figure 26, showing the wheel support in the retracted position.

[0096] - Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view of the body of the suitcase, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0097] - Figure 30 is a perspective view similar to Figure 29, showing the assembled body of the suitcase.

[0098] - Figures 31 to 38 are different perspective views similar to Figure 29, at different scales, showing different stages of assembly of the suitcase body.

[0099] 5. Detailed description of the invention:

[0100] The description below relates to advantageous embodiments of the invention, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner. The proposed solution is a wheel system for suitcase 1, where the wheels can move from a deployed position A where the wheels 70 are in contact with a support surface and thus allow the suitcase 1 to roll, to a retracted position B where the wheels 70 are then parallel to the lower wall of the suitcase 1. The transition from one position to another is done according to a kinematics combining at least one rotation, associated with a second rotation or a translation, depending on the embodiment.

[0101] Figures 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the invention.

[0102] These figures show a suitcase 1 equipped with four wheel supports 10 conforming to this first mode. The suitcase 1 comprises a body 2 and a telescopic handle 3. The wheel supports 10 are mounted on a lower wall 8 of the suitcase 1, defining a reference plane P8.

[0103] The wheel support 10 comprises a movable part 20 and a fixed part 30, a wheel holder 60 and a wheel 70.

[0104] The fixed part 30 is mounted on the lower wall 8 of the suitcase 1. Advantageously, the fixed part 30 is mounted prominently on the lower wall 8, and not in a cavity provided in this lower wall 8, which would complicate the construction of the suitcase 1. The fixed part 30 can be fixed to the wall 8 by screws, welding or gluing. This fixed part 30 can also be directly integrated into the wall 8, when this part is produced by molding. Within the wheel support 10, the fixed part 30 defines the reference plane P8 associated with the position of the wall 8. The movable part 20 is a shaft mounted movable in rotation and in translation in the fixed part 30.

[0105] The wheel carrier 60 is pivotally mounted on the movable part 20, with free 360° rotation. The wheel 70 is pivotally mounted in the wheel carrier 60. The movable part 20 and the wheel carrier 60 are separate parts. The wheel carrier 60 and the wheel 70 form an interchangeable “wheel assembly”. This allows the suitcase 1 to be equipped with any wheel on the market.

[0106] The mobile part 20 can be moved between:

[0107] - a deployed position A where the wheel 70 is perpendicular to the reference plane P8; and

[0108] - a retracted position B where the wheel 70 is parallel to the reference plane P8.

[0109] The fixed part 30 comprises a groove 40. The movable part 20 comprises a rod 50 which can be snapped into the groove 40 to lock the movable part 20 in the deployed position A or in the retracted position B. The rod 50, inclined by a return system (typically a spring), makes it possible to prevent unwanted rotation of the movable part 20 when the suitcase is in use. Only a movement initiated / controlled by the rod 50 makes it possible to move from one position to the other. The inclination of the rod 50 (coupled with a return spring) blocks the rotation of the movable part 20. It is necessary to actuate the rod 50 to be able to complete the folding movement and fold down the wheel 70. This solution prevents the wheel 70 from being folded down under the suitcase at the first crossing of a sidewalk or other obstacle.

[0110] When moving from the retracted position B to the deployed position A, the wheels 70 move away from a median plane P6 of the suitcase 1, perpendicular to the direction of advance of the suitcase 1. In the deployed position A, the wheels 70 extend outside the vertical volume of the suitcase 1, with a greater footprint than if the wheels 70 were located in the vertical volume of the suitcase 1.

[0111] In this embodiment, two wheel supports (10) share the same fixed part (30), while the other two wheel supports (10) are independent, with separate fixed parts (30).

[0112] The suitcase 1 may comprise a front box and a rear box joined by a hinge in pivot connection around a first axis, and by the closing means, selectively lockable to open or close the suitcase 1 on a side face. In addition, the suitcase 1 may comprise a cover arranged on the upper face and pivotally mounted via a hinge, in pivot connection around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The cover is movable between a closed position preventing access to the interior of the suitcase via the upper face and an open position giving access to the interior of the suitcase via the upper face.

[0113] Figures 11 and 12 show a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0114] The suitcase 1 has four wheel supports 10 arranged in pairs on two sides of the bottom wall 8. Within each pair, the wheel supports 10 share the same fixed part 30.

[0115] This facilitates the manufacture of the wheel supports 10 and speeds up their installation on the wall 8.

[0116] In a variant not shown, each wheel support 10 may have its own fixed part 30. Figures 13 to 23 show a second embodiment of the invention.

[0117] The wheel 70 is connected to the movable part 120 via a pivoting wheel holder 160, allowing the wheel to rotate 360° around a vertical axis when the wheel is in the deployed position.

[0118] The mobile part 120 pivots around an axis 190, located perpendicular to an oblique plane 140 forming the interface between the mobile part 120 and the fixed part 130 of the wheel support 110.

[0119] The fixed part 130 of the wheel support 110 is fixed to the luggage 1, on the lower wall 8 of the luggage 1.

[0120] The movable part 120 of the wheel support 110 can be held in the deployed or retracted position by means of a lug 150.

[0121] The fixed part 130 is fixed to the body 2 of the suitcase 1 by screws, welding or gluing. This part can also be part of the bottom 8 of the suitcase 1 when this part is produced by molding.

[0122] The movable part 120 is connected and pivots relative to the part 130 via an axis 190, put in place from the movable part 120 and which is screwed onto the fixed part 130. The axis 190 has a shoulder making it possible to limit the movements and to only allow rotation.

[0123] Once the axis 190 is in place, the movable part 120 moves relative to the fixed part 130 according to a cutaway 140.

[0124] The lug 150 is fixed on the fixed part 130. A spring pushes the lug 150 onto the movable part 120, which thus makes it possible to lock the wheel 70 in the chosen position.

[0125] The wheel carrier 160 is pivotally mounted on the movable part 120. The wheel carrier 160 is mounted on the movable part 120 by means of a pivot shaft, allowing free 360° rotation of the wheel 70 around a vertical axis when the suitcase 1 is placed on its wheels 70.

[0126] Figures 24 to 28 show a third embodiment of the invention.

[0127] The wheel 70 is connected to the movable part 220 via a wheel holder 260 allowing the wheel 70 to rotate 360° around a vertical axis when the wheel is in the deployed position.

[0128] This mobile part 220 is connected to the fixed part 230 of the wheel support 210 via a return box 240 configured for a 90° return with a 2:1 ratio.

[0129] This gearbox 240 is integral with the lever 250 which can pivot around the fixed part 230 of the wheel support 210.

[0130] The fixed part 230 of the wheel support 210 is fixed on the lower wall 8 of the luggage 1.

[0131] The gripping lever 250 is used to operate and control the mechanism of the wheel support 210. Also, the lever 250 can be used to lock the wheel support 210 in position A or B. Alternatively, the lever 250 can be replaced by any type of remote control system.

[0132] Locking the 250 lever (or remote control system) in position allows the 70 wheels to be locked in position.

[0133] The 90° gearbox 240, equipped with pinions generating a 2:1 ratio, allows the same movement to be made as in the second embodiment, this time combining a 270° rotation with a 135° rotation. The wheel carrier 260 is pivotally mounted on the movable part 220. The wheel carrier 260 is mounted on the movable part 220 via a pivot shaft, allowing free 360° rotation of the wheel 70 around a vertical axis when the suitcase 1 is placed on its wheels 70.

[0134] The return box 240 is fixed on the other side to the movable part 220, which can pivot around the fixed axis 230 parallel to the lower wall 8 of the suitcase 1.

[0135] The fixed part 230 is connected to the body of the suitcase 1 on its lower wall 8 by a support which can be glued, screwed, welded. A second fixing support can also be positioned at the other end of the fixed axis 230, towards the middle of the lower wall 8.

[0136] Figures 29 to 38 show a particular embodiment of a suitcase 1 according to the invention.

[0137] This improvement relates to the architecture of the luggage 1, more precisely the manufacture of its body 2. The objective is to provide a modular manufacturing method, making it easier to repair and modify the luggage.

[0138] Current luggage manufacturing involves sewing, gluing, and nailing, with some parts screwed together. Whether for rigid or soft-sided luggage, gluing or sewing multiple parts together, both for cost and weight reasons, then poses limitations for the repair and subsequent recycling of individual components.

[0139] When repairs are possible, they are carried out by a qualified craftsman because they require special tools and time to disassemble and reassemble the replaced parts. Also, the repaired luggage remains slightly different from a similar unrepaired luggage, due to the manual process.

[0140] From a manufacturing point of view, luggage is either made traditionally (with sewing, nailing, gluing, etc.) or industrially, which then involves large-scale production to amortize the production equipment.

[0141] The present invention proposes an alternative approach to luggage design: a design allowing innovative manufacturing, both for the assembly, modification and repair of the suitcase.

[0142] The suitcase is made from lightweight and recyclable materials, the suitcase is held together by combining the mechanical characteristics of the different materials used during the assembly of the different elements. The suitcase has a simple modular design. The main components are the shell, the structure (angles, corners and hinges) and the accessories (such as wheels, handles, telescopic rod). The shell is made of panels made of a lightweight material and the structure is made of a material that can be either a hard plastic or an aluminum or magnesium alloy, or any other material that allows the panels to be held without the possibility of coming loose.

[0143] The shell panels are connected together by the structure, which gives shape and holds the suitcase in place. The combination of the different elements provides the rigidity and robustness necessary for luggage while keeping the weight contained. The panels are assembled onto the structure by sliding them into the guides provided for this purpose in the structural elements. The shape of the guide, with a pronounced angle, allows the panels to be held in place without the risk of them coming loose. In addition, in the case of a panel edge being left free without being held in a structural element (in the case of opening the suitcase), a locking element, such as a screw or a pin, connecting the structure to the panel, allows the assembly to be kept in place.

[0144] The other elements (hinges, closures, lock, handles, telescopic rod, wheels, bumpers, accessory supports, etc.) are also mounted on the case in a simple way (reversible clipping, screwing).

[0145] Since the assembly is carried out by simply sliding elements and using a few screws, the repair of the suitcase is simplified. Furthermore, the assembly can be carried out without any special tools.

[0146] This improvement has the following advantages:

[0147] 1. Lightweight, modifiable and repairable luggage.

[0148] 2. Luggage that is easy to assemble, without tools or specific training.

[0149] 3 Luggage that is easy to repair, even by the user.

[0150] 4. Luggage that is easy to modify, including by the user.

[0151] 5. Ability to assemble luggage at the last minute, thus reducing storage and transportation by only assembling at the last moment.

[0152] 6. A design that allows the luggage to be fully personalized, with all elements being able to be changed.

[0153] 7. An assembly that reduces the number of machines needed for its manufacture, thus saving space, energy and industrial maintenance.

[0154] This design offers several advantages over existing luggage designs. First, it allows for smaller assembly quantities without the need for heavy industrial tooling.

[0155] In addition, the modular design allows for the luggage to be fully and easily repaired, even by the user. This possibility of repairing the luggage also allows it to be modified by changing the various elements in the same way.

[0156] Another advantage of the simple assembly design is that the luggage can be produced economically, with reduced labor time even without using robots or paced work.

[0157] 6. Use

[0158] The wheel system according to the invention allows for optimization and maximum use of the authorized volume, particularly for cabin baggage on airplanes. This system allows for more storage space. Also, due to the possibility of installing larger wheels, the suitcase is much more maneuverable and rolls better even on uneven floors.

[0159] As the wheels protrude from the vertical template of the suitcase, the whole thing is much more stable and rolls better even if the interior of the storage is unbalanced.

[0160] Another use of this system is to be able to protect the wheels when the baggage is checked: when the wheels are in the retracted position, they are flat, parallel and close to the underside of the suitcase, and protected by the volume of the fixed and mobile supports.

[0161] 7. Possibilities for detecting counterfeiting of the invention:

[0162] - Presence on a spinner type suitcase of wheels which can be folded down along one side of the suitcase.

[0163] - Presence of wheels extending beyond the vertical volume of the suitcase, and which can then be folded down to pass through the cabin baggage control gauges).

[0164] 8. Alternative Implementations

[0165] Furthermore, the suitcase 1 may be shaped differently from figures 1 to 38 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

[0166] For example, the transition between the two positions A and B of the 10 / 110 / 220 wheel support can be achieved in other ways. For example, with a ball joint connecting the moving part to the fixed part. Locking in position can be done with metal clips (among other solutions).

[0167] Another version with a function closer to the third embodiment consists of having a pivot perpendicular to the lower wall 8 of the suitcase 1. By pivoting around this axis a horizontal bar, perpendicular to the pivot, connected to the bottom of the model by a pinion making a ratio 1:2, the desired movement can be generated. Then the wheel is connected to the horizontal bar via a pivot allowing free rotation at 360°.

[0168] Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in part, combined with each other.

[0169] So, the 1 suitcase and the 10 / 110 / 210 wheel support can be adapted in terms of cost, functionality and performance.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Wheel support (10; 110; 210) for luggage (1), comprising: - a fixed part (30; 130; 230) intended to be mounted on a lower face (8) of the luggage (1) and defining a reference plane (PS); - a movable part (20; 120; 220) pivotally mounted in the fixed part (30; 130; 230); - a wheel carrier (60; 160; 260) mounted on the movable part (20; 120; 220); - a wheel (70) pivotally mounted in the wheel carrier (60); characterized in that the movable part (20; 120; 220) and the wheel carrier (60; 160; 260) are separate parts; and in that the movable part (20; 120; 220) is arranged to be movable between: - a deployed position (A) where the wheel (70) is perpendicular to the reference plane (PB); and - a retracted position (B) where the wheel (70) is parallel to the reference plane (PB).

2. Wheel support (10; 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (20; 220) is movable between the deployed position (A) and the retracted position (B) following a rotation associated with a translation or a second rotation.

3. Wheel support (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable part (20) is a shaft movable both in rotation and in translation in the fixed part (30).

4. Wheel support (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixed part (30) comprises a groove (40), and in that the movable part (20) comprises a rod (50) which can be snapped into the groove (40) to lock the movable part (20) in the deployed position (A) or in the retracted position (B).

5. Wheel support (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rod (50) is coupled to a return spring, preventing accidental exit of the rod (50) from the groove (40).

6. Wheel support (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (120) pivots around an axis (190), located perpendicular to an oblique plane (140) forming the interface between the movable part (120) and the fixed part (130).

7. Wheel support (210) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a return box (240) arranged between the fixed part (230) and the movable part (220), preferably configured for a 90° return with a ratio 2:

1.

8. Luggage (1), comprising at least two wheel supports (10; 110; 210) according to one of claims 1 to 6 arranged on the same side of the luggage (1), preferably four wheel supports (10; 110; 210) arranged in pairs on two sides of the luggage (1).

9. Luggage (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that two wheel supports (10) share the same fixed part (30).

10. Luggage (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that two wheel supports (10) are independent, with separate fixed parts (30).

11. Luggage (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that when passing from the retracted position (B) to the deployed position (A), the wheels (70) move away from a median plane (P6) of the luggage (1), and in that in the deployed position (A), the wheels (70) protrude outside the vertical volume of the luggage (1).

Images